fentanyl

American

[fen-tuh-nil] / ˈfɛn tə nɪl /

noun

Pharmacology.

a synthetic, short-acting narcotic analgesic and sedative, C 22 H 28 N 2 O, used pharmacologically in anesthesia and neuroleptanalgesia, and also as an illicit drug: Drug dealers are lacing heroin with fentanyl.

Medics quickly administered fentanyl to the injured soldiers.
Drug dealers are lacing heroin with fentanyl.

fentanyl British

/ ˈfɛntəˌnaɪl /

noun

a narcotic drug used in medicine to relieve pain

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fentanyl

First recorded in 1960–65; contraction and respelling of the chemical name N-(1-phenethyl-4-piperidyl)propionanilide

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The raid came amid pressure from US President Donald Trump for Mexico to stem the flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

The ruling also struck down tariffs imposed on China, Mexico and Canada related to fentanyl.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

US President Donald Trump has made the fight against criminal gangs sending illicit drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamines and cocaine one of his priorities.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

The same report and others make clear Venezuela does not play a substantial role in fentanyl production or trafficking.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

China has made concessions on rare earths, soybeans and fentanyl.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023